Le Mans Start
The 24 Hours of Le Mans: A century of endurance, innovation, and unforgettable moments.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, first held in 1923, is the world's oldest active endurance race and a cornerstone of motorsport. The event is famous for its unique 'Le Mans start' tradition, where drivers sprint across the track to their cars, though this practice was discontinued after the 1969 race for safety reasons. The race has seen legendary rivalries, such as the Ford vs. Ferrari battles of the 1960s, and continues to evolve with the introduction of the Hypercar class in 2021, attracting major manufacturers like Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, and BMW.
- Location
- Circuit de la Sarthe, France
- Date
- Varies annually (typically June)
- Race Number
- Varies (93rd held in 2024)
Lore & Background
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is steeped in tradition and drama. The iconic 'Le Mans start' saw drivers lined up across the track, sprinting to their cars—a spectacle that ended after the 1969 race due to safety concerns. The race has witnessed historic moments, such as the 1966 Ford GT40 sweep that ended Ferrari's dominance, and the tragic 1955 disaster that reshaped motorsport safety. Modern lore includes Toyota's long-awaited first win in 2018 after years of near-misses, and Ferrari's return to overall victory in 2023 and 2024, ending a 58-year drought. The Hypercar era has brought renewed manufacturer interest, with Porsche, Cadillac, and BMW joining the fray.
In Their Own Story
By the first corner, Will Stevens in the #12 Cadillac had overtaken pole-sitter Kevin Magnussen, and René Rast in the #20 BMW took the lead at the Mulsanne Straight. Mike Conway's #7 Toyota pitted after only 29 minutes, followed by the sister #8 car, placing them fifth and first respectively by the one-hour mark. The race saw dramatic incidents: Antonio Fuoco spun after contacting an LMP2, and Alessandro Pier Guidi crashed into the #9 Proton Competition LMP2 at the Forest esses, earning a drive-through penalty. A full-course yellow was deployed after crashes involving the #88 Proton Ford and #54 AF Corse Ferrari LMGT3s. Later, the #12 Cadillac inherited the lead but suffered a drive-through penalty for speeding in a slow zone. With four and a half hours remaining, Robin Frijns in the #20 BMW lost time in the gravel during pit entry, allowing Brendon Hartley's #8 Toyota to pass. By the 21st hour, Toyota held the 1–2 positions.
Reader's Guide
The race concluded with the overall classification won by the #7 Toyota Hypercar, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries. Their victory broke Ferrari's three-year dominance. In LMP2, the No. 43 Oreca 07 of Tom Dillmann, Jakub Śmiechowski, and Nick Yelloly led Inter Europol Competition to a one-two finish, securing their third win in four years. The LMGT3 category was claimed by TF Sport's No. 33 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, driven by Nicky Catsburg, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, marking the tenth class win for the American brand. Key moments included Mathys Jaubert's #17 Genesis retiring due to a snapped suspension and the #50 Ferrari pulling over with an electrical issue under a safety car caused by a Porsche LMGT3 crash at Mulsanne.
Did You Know?
- The original 'Le Mans start' required drivers to sprint across the track, buckle in, and start their engines—a tradition that lasted from 1923 to 1969.
- The 1955 Le Mans disaster, which killed over 80 spectators, led to sweeping safety reforms in motorsport worldwide.
- Ferrari's overall victory in 2023 was its first since 1965, ending a 58-year wait for the Prancing Horse.
- The Hypercar class, introduced in 2021, allows manufacturers to compete with hybrid or non-hybrid prototypes, attracting brands like Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, and Peugeot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 'Le Mans start' tradition?
This unique ritual required drivers to sprint across the track from one side to their cars before starting the engine and beginning the race. It was a defining feature of the event's early years, designed to test driver fitness and add dramatic flair to the opening moments.
When did the 'Le Mans start' tradition end?
The practice was officially discontinued after the 1969 race due to serious safety concerns regarding drivers running on an active track. Organizers replaced it with a stationary start to eliminate the risk of collisions and injuries at the beginning of the event.
Why is the 'Le Mans start' considered important in racing history?
It remains one of the most iconic images of motorsport, symbolizing the raw intensity and unique character that set Le Mans apart from other races. The tradition highlighted the physical demands placed on drivers and created a memorable spectacle for spectators worldwide.
Where did this tradition take place?
The sprint occurred across the Circuit de la Sarthe in France, where cars were lined up perpendicular to the track with engines off. Drivers had to navigate past their vehicles or other competitors to reach their assigned seats before ignition.
How has the race evolved since the 'Le Mans start' was removed?
While the sprint is gone, the event continues to evolve through technological advancements like the modern Hypercar class and fierce manufacturer rivalries. The focus has shifted entirely to endurance engineering and safety while maintaining its status as the world's oldest active endurance race.
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